He said, "Mom, I think you should teach history."
I was shocked. I hated history in school. I don't remember numbers very well; so I practically broke out in welts before every history exam. To tell the truth, there are very few historic dates I remember.
I asked John why on earth he thought I'd want to teach history, to which he replied, "Well Mom, you are always telling us stories about our ancestors."
He was right. That was when it hit me--that even though I could care less about what years the Great Depression happened; I am fascinated by the stories of how my grandparents and parents survived those years. For me, it's not about remembering the dates; but about remembering the people involved. And yes, I love that kind of history. Folk history. Stories about grandpa's coming to America from Holland when he was just 12, and how dad worked in the CCC camps when he and mom met; and how grandpa fashioned ski's from barrel staves for his children to use in the cold Michigan winters.
I suspect that you have stories like that. Real life stories from your family history. Stories you 'caught' from your family- (as Christina Baldwin-author of Storycatchers describes it.)
So I am challenging you all to tell me a story this week. Doesn't have to be lengthy. Just a snippet from the past.
I think I may tell you a poignant story about my dad this week. Or maybe a rather funny account my mother shared from her childhood...we'll see. What about you? Will you tell me a story...please?
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| My inspiration for this post came from Storycatchers, by Christina Baldwin. An encouraging read for anyone who loves the tradition of stories and wants to keep them alive. *** |
4 comments:
Sounds like a great challenge. I'll let you know if my brain rises to the occasion! :0)
I can relate to you in this .. I'm not good at history.. but I too have been interested in stories from my past...
One story I have written about is of how I got my grandfather ... the only one I ever knew. He fled Russia after his family was taken in the second WW. He was given notice that they had perished. He married my widowed grandmother when my mom was about thirteen. After having two more children with my grandmother, he got news that his wife was still alive in Russia. Many years later, when his first wife emigrated to Germany,I was able to meet her and hear both sides of the story.
Anneliese, What a shock for your grandfather to find that his Russian wife was still alive. Did she re-marry too?
I agree with you - I can't remember the dates, but I can definitely remember the stories.
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